The 35 BEST German Recipes (2024)

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Whether you’re looking for some classics you grew up on, or are exploring German cuisine for the first time, you’ve come to the right place.

This collection of traditional German Recipes includes thirty five great dishes, from breakfast to dessert and everything in between.

You’ll find homestyle meals, beer garden favorites, famous street foods and more.

Cook your way through all of these great recipes, you’re sure to find some new family favorites!

The 35 BEST German Recipes (1)

The Best German Recipes:

1. Jägerschnitzel (Hunter’s Cutlet with Mushroom Gravy)

We’re starting this list of German Recipes, with our own Jägerschnitzel, a crispy breaded pork cutlet served with rich mushroom gravy.

It’s one of Germany’s most popular and delicious dishes. This authentic Jägerschnitzel recipe will absolutely delight your taste buds.

Get the Recipe

2. German Sauerkraut Balls

German Sauerkraut Balls are classic German beer garden fare, sauerkraut and potato encased in a crispy, golden brown breading.

These are the most scrumptious Sauerkraut Balls you will ever try. This easy recipe is a perfect party finger food.

Get the Recipe

3. German Sauerbraten

One of Germany’s national dishes, this authentic German Sauerbraten is marinated, cooked until tender, and served with a wonderfully rich and flavorful sweet, tangy gravy.

Serve this delicious Sauerbraten with German cabbage and mashed potatoes, and you are all set for a memorable feast.

Get the Recipe @ dinnerthendessert

4. Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken Schnitzel is a traditional and famous German. Chicken cutlets are pounded thin, coated with breadcrumbs, then lightly fried.

You’re in for a real treat with this recipe!

Get the Recipe @ jocooks

5. German Potato Salad

Give your potato salad a German makeover with this easy recipe. Unlike traditional potato salad, this version has vinegar instead of mayo.

It is also typically served warm.

Get the Recipe @ thecountrycook

6. German Pancakes

The best German Pancakes recipe! These light and fluffy pancakes will become your family’s favorite breakfast.

They are easy to make and require only 6 kitchen staple ingredients.

Get the Recipe @ twopeasandtheirpod

7. German Onion Pie

German Onion Pie is also known as Zweibelkuchen. It is a savory quiche-like pie with bacon, caramelized onions and cream.

It make for a hearty and fulfilling meal.

Get the Recipe @ dirndlkitchen

8. German Spaetzle

One of Germany’s most popular and beloved foods, Spaetzle is a type of egg noodle that often accompanies their mains.

Surprisingly easy to make, they are the perfect side dish to go with all recipes.

Get the Recipe @ platedcravings

9. Marzipan Springerle Candy

One of the most famous and beloved of all German Christmas cookies, Marzipan Springerle Candy are a no bake treat sure to delight.

With a firm exterior and chewy interior, they will become one of your favorite sweets.

Get the Recipe @ themondaybox

10. German Chicken Stew

If you have never tried German Chicken Stew, then now is the time!

A total comfort food, it’s made with chicken and hearty veggies simmered in a rich and creamy white sauce. So good!

Get the Recipe @ dirndlkitchen

11. German Plum Cake

German Plum Cake is a real treat when fresh fruits are in season. It has a buttery streusel topping, and tastes phenomenal!

It’s easy to make from scratch and is sure to impress.

Get the Recipe @ savorynothings

12. Authentic German Goulash

This traditional recipe is German total comfort food! If you love beef stew, Goulash will become one of your new favorites.

Serve it along with spaetzle and you are in for one comfy cozy meal.

Get the Recipe @ whereismyspoon

13. German Potato Pancakes

Potato Pancakes are simple and easy to make, and taste too good. Also known as Kartoffelpuffer, they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Ready in 30 minutes, they will become your new favorite way to fry potatoes!

Get the Recipe @ thewanderlustkitchen

14. German Chocolate Cake

This rich and decadent German Chocolate Cake is amazing!

Chocolate cake is layered with coconut pecan frosting, and topped with chocolate buttercream. Serve this dessert at your next gathering and wow the crowd.

Get the Recipe @ sallysbakingaddiction

15. Obatzda Recipe (German Beer Cheese Dip)

This easy Beer Cheese Dip, also known as Obatzda, is your new favorite dipping sauce! It’s perfect for dipping pretzels, sauerkraut balls, and so much more.

This dip is perfect for game day, party or simply as a fun snack.

Get the Recipe @ platedcravings

16. Stollen

Stollen is a famous fruit bread, usually served around Christmas time in Germany.

It’s moist and flavorful, loaded with nuts and candied fruits. You have to try this one!

Get the Recipe @ thedaringgourmet

17. German Meatloaf

This German Meatloaf recipe is too good! It’s moist and delicious, with the unique addition of pickles.

The next time you crave meatloaf, give this tasty version a try!

Get the Recipe @ alltastesgerman

18. Currywurst

A very iconic street food, Currywurst is one of the most popular dishes in Germany.

Bratwurst are smothered in a curry infused ketchup, then served with fries. How cool!

Get the Recipe @ craftbeering

19. German Soft Pretzels

Pretzels are one of the most famous German snacks. But have you ever thought of making them at home?

You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make these authentic soft pretzels!

Get the Recipe @ savorynothings

20. German Beef Soup with Dumplings

German Beef Soup with Dumplings recipe is is another great comfort food on this list.

With plump dumplings, tender beef, and diced egg custard, it’s a truly unique soup that will keep you warm in the winter.

Get the Recipe @ whereismyspoon

21. German Potato Dumplings (Kartoffelkloesse)

These delicious German Potato Dumplings are a great way to use up your potatoes. They are thick and starchy, and go great with a variety of mains.

Get the Recipe @ thewanderlustkitchen

22. Homemade German Bratwurst

Nothing says German food like Bratwurst. They are totally iconic.

This recipe shows you how to make them at home. It takes a little time, but they are fun to make and the end results are totally worth it!

Get the Recipe @ daringgourmet

23. German Cucumber Salad

Give this easy and delicious Cucumber Salad the next time you’re having a cookout, it’ll become a new favorite side dish.

The sliced cucumbers have a creamy sour cream dill dressing. It’s a cool and refreshing salad you will love.

Get the Recipe @ fivehearthome

24. Traditional German Red Cabbage

German Red Cabbage is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy. It makes a great vegetable side dish to your favorite German mains.

Get the Recipe @ houseofnasheats

25. Apple Strudel

This Apple Strudel recipe is a great dessert for get togethers and special occasions.

It has a flaky homemade crust and is stuffed full with a cinnamon apple filling. Don’t miss this recipe when apples are in season!

Get the Recipe @ platedcravings

26. Bauernbrot – Farmer-Style German Bread

Bauernbrot is a rich, dense rye bread studded with caraway seeds. It’s especially good fresh out of the oven and slathered with butter!

Get the Recipe @ lemonblossoms

27. Black Forest Cake

Black Forest Cake is a phenomenal dessert recipe. The rich chocolate cake is layered with cherries and whipped cream frosting.

Serve this up at your next special occasion!

Get the Recipe @ alsothecrumbsplease

28. German Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These Cabbage Rolls are one of the most popular German recipes. Tender cabbage is stuffed with a ground beef mixture.

They’re fun to make and fun to eat!

Get the Recipe @ thespruceeats

29. Lamb Casserole

More of a stew than a casserole, this dish is a super cozy meal for chilly nights.

Loaded with tender lamb and veggies, it cooks low and slow in the crock pot. This will become a new family favorite.

Get the Recipe @ whereismyspoon

30. German Lentil Soup with Sausage

Another great slow cooker recipe is the Lentil and Sausage Soup. It’s so flavorful and so comforting.

This soup is also super easy to make. Just 10 minutes of hands on time, then your crock does the rest!

Get the Recipe @ fivehearthome

31. Brötchen (German Bread Rolls)

Brötchen are easy bread rolls that only require 5 ingredients. They are soft on the inside and crusty on the outside.

Perfect side for all your favorite soups and stews.

Get the Recipe @ recipesfromeurope

32. Eiskaffee (German Iced Coffee)

Eiskaffee is a real treat on a hot day. Iced coffee is poured over two scoops of ice cream and topped with whipped cream.

It’s kind of like a coffee float!

Get the Recipe @ foodandjourneys

33. Zurich Ragout

Ragout is a type of stew. This version features veal and mushrooms. It’s a delicious recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Get the Recipe @ thomassixt

34. Sauerkraut Soup

Germans sure love their sauerkraut, and this soup is just one such example. It’s an easy weeknight dinner when you feel like something light.

Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen

35. Glühwein (German Mulled Wine)

Wrapping up our list of German recipes is this mulled wine, which is very popular during the Christmas season.

Wine is simmered with cloves, cinnamon and oranges, and served warm. How festive!

Get the Recipe @ curiouscuisiniere

So many great German recipes to cook. No wonder it’s one of the most famous cuisines in the world!

Pin or bookmark this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

Check out these other recipe collections!
American Recipes
British Recipes
French Recipes
Asian Recipes
Thai Recipes
Filipino Recipes
Puerto Rican Recipes
Italian Recipes

The 35 BEST German Recipes (2)

35 BEST German Recipes

This collection of authentic German Recipes will give you a great taste of classic Bavarian fare. We love these crispy sauerkraut balls:

Ingredients

  • 3 medium potatoes
  • 1 cup sauerkraut
  • 1 egg
  • 1.25 cup breadcrumbs, divided
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

    1. Add potatoes to pot and cover with cold water and place on stove over high heat. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium and simmer until easily pierced with a knife, about 15-20 minutes, depending on size. Drain, then immerse in cold water. Once cool enough to handle, remove skins.
    2. Squeeze as much liquid from the sauerkraut as you can, then add into a large bowl along with potatoes, egg, 1/4 cup bread crumbs, parsley and spices. Mash them with a fork until potatoes are mostly mashed and everything is thoroughly mixed.
    3. Spread the remaining 1 cup of breadcrumbs on a plate. Form the potato sauerkraut mixture into golf ball sized spheres, about 1/8 of a cup of mixture per ball. Roll them in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
    4. Place balls on parchment paper lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
    5. Preheat 3/4 inch of cooking oil in a skillet over medium high heat, about 350°F. Add ball to hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
    6. Remove and drain on paper towel lined plate. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    The 35 BEST German Recipes (3)

    Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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      The 35 BEST German Recipes (2024)

      FAQs

      What is Germany's most famous dish? ›

      Sauerbraten. Sauerbraten is regarded as one Germany's national dishes and there are several regional variations in Franconia, Thuringia, Rhineland, Saarland, Silesia and Swabia. This pot roast takes quite a while to prepare, but the results, often served as Sunday family dinner, are truly worth the work.

      What is Germany's national dish? ›

      Sauerbraten (pronounced [ˈzaʊ̯ɐˌbʁaːtn̩]) is a traditional German roast of heavily marinated meat. It is regarded as a national dish of Germany, and is frequently served in German-style restaurants internationally.

      What are the three main meals in Germany? ›

      Meals in Germany

      First of all, we'll take a look at Germany's three main meals in the day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additionally, we'll take a look at some of the food themed quirks, zoom in on food at work and talk about some standout dishes.

      What did Germans eat 500 years ago? ›

      Oldest German Foods

      Sheep, cows, and goats were used for milk, butter, and cheese and occasionally meat products, which were served most often during feasts. The earliest spices in German cuisine were parsley, celery, and dill, which are still used today.

      What is a typical German menu? ›

      More often than not, classic dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Würstchen mit Sauerkraut, and, of course, potato-based dishes in various forms, like in Bratkartoffeln (Roasted Potatoes), Pommes Frites (French Fries), or Kartoffelauflauf (potato cassseroles).

      What's a typical German breakfast? ›

      But the Germans like to pull out the stops at breakfast (especially weekend breakfasts). Lots of different cheeses, meats, multiple jams and honey, boiled eggs, fruit and vegetables, smoked fish and of course, every kind of roll or hearty, seeded bread your heart could desire.

      What time do Germans eat dinner? ›

      But in Germany, the traditional dinner time is much earlier: you'll find many German households having their evening meal between 5 and 7 pm.

      What cut of meat is sauerbraten made of? ›

      Sauerbraten is a German roast of marinated meat, traditionally beef. Since it's generally made with tougher cuts (usually the rump roast), the meat is marinated for days at a time. The roast is sliced and served with a gravy. In some recipes, the gravy is made with gingersnaps.

      What does a typical German eat in a day? ›

      The typical meals are divided in a rather copious breakfast (6 am – 8 am), lunch (12 pm – 2 pm) and dinner (6 pm – 8 pm). Breakfast usually consists of bread that can be topped with cheese, cold cuts, jam, honey, Nutella etc., if you prefer something salty.

      What do Germans drink for dinner? ›

      10 German Drinks Worth Sipping
      • Dunkel (Dark Beer)
      • Pilsner/Helles (Pale Lager)
      • Kölsch (Cologne's Beer) Additional German Beers.
      • Gluhwein (Mulled Wine)
      • Jägermeister.
      • Schnapps.
      • Wein (Wine)
      • Heiße Schokolade (Hot Chocolate)
      Jan 29, 2022

      How many times a day do Germans eat? ›

      Mealtimes: When and what do Germans eat? People in Germany generally have three or four meals a day: breakfast, a midday meal, an evening meal, and possibly Kaffee und Kuchen (we'll get to this in a minute) in the afternoon.

      What famous food did Germany invent? ›

      Famous dishes
      NameRegion
      MarzipanThroughout Germany
      PellkartoffelThroughout Germany
      PfefferpotthastWestphalia
      RinderrouladeThroughout Germany
      21 more rows

      What food did Germany bring to America? ›

      German Americans established the first kindergartens in the United States and the Christmas tree tradition. They also introduced popular foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels, strudel, sauerkraut and lager beer to America.

      What caused starvation in Germany? ›

      The Hunger Draws the Map project is revealing how the Great War, including a British and French blockade that prevented ships carrying food and weapons from getting to Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey until 1919, caused malnutrition and starvation across Europe and the Ottoman Empire—for years after the ...

      What is Germany's favorite drink? ›

      Most purchased and consumed beverages in Germany 2021-2023

      Mineral water is by far the most purchased and consumed beverage in Germany. Around 86 percent of the population bought it in 2023. Germans are known for their preference of fizzy drinking water.

      What is the most popular meat in Germany? ›

      The average annual meat consumption is 59.7 kg (132 lb) per person. The most common varieties are pork, poultry, and beef. Other varieties of meat are widely available, but are considered to be insignificant. Meat is usually braised; fried dishes also exist, but these recipes usually originate from France and Austria.

      What do Germans call soccer? ›

      Football, or soccer, is known as Fußball in German. The top German league, the Bundesliga sees some of the world's top-flight teams fight it out such as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

      What is a German sausage called? ›

      Bratwurst (German: [ˈbʁaːtvʊʁst]) is a type of German sausage made from pork or, less commonly, beef or veal.

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